Bike exports to U.S. down 5 percent in Feb.

April 2, 2013

Exports and production from Japan’s Big Four dropped 22 percent year-over-year in February, notching another mark in a now five-month slide due to economic issues in Europe, according to data from the Japanese Automotive Manufacturers Association.

While motorcycle exports worldwide dropped 17 percent between October and February, exports to the U.S were down 4 percent over the same period year-over-year, mostly among the smaller classes. Exports of bikes over 250cc were down half a percent.

Yamaha increased exports 3.6 percent during February, year-over-year; the sole manufacturer to do so. Exports from Suzuki were down 9 percent year-over-year in February, Honda’s exports were down 34.6 percent and Kawasaki’s exports were down 49.6 percent over the same period.

Bike production from the Big Four slid alongside exports, dropping 22.7 percent, or 15,091 units, in February. Suzuki managed to only drop 2 percent in February, while Yamaha, Honda and Kawi were down 13.0 percent, 39.4 percent and 38 percent, respectively.